Both St Helens and Wigan Warriors will be without key men when the two sides go head to head this evening. The fierce rivals meet at the Brick Community Stadium and as the Super League run-in edges ever closer, the result promises to have huge implications on the table.
Wigan saw their lead at the top of the table cut down to just two points on Thursday night as Warrington Wolves saw off Leeds Rhinos, but they can underline their dominance and reclaim a four-point cushion with a win over Paul Wellens’ side, who would fall six points off the League Leaders’ Shield pace in defeat.
Equally, a Saints win promises to blow the race for the number one spot wide open with 10 games still to play. Of course, they’d be well within their rights to take confidence from the fact that they beat Wigan on Good Friday earlier in the season, but their lengthy absentee list emphasises the challenge they face this evening.
Can you name these Super League players?
St Helens injury news
Saints have welcomed Daryl Clark back into the fold after missing the loss at Castleford Tigers last time out due to a muscle tear, but they’ll be without nine players this evening.
Moses Mbye will serve a one-match ban following his late hit against Castleford Tigers and he’ll be joined on the sidelines by a host of injured first-team stars. The likes of Alex Walmsley (hamstring and knee), Sione Mata’utia (neck) and Morgan Knowles (groin) are all due to miss the game, ensuring Saints’ pack will be lighter than usual. Matt Whitley (shoulder), Jake Wingfield (shoulder) and Joe Batchelor (ankle) are also absent due to injury.
In the backs, Konrad Hurrell (neck) and Tommy Makinson (foot) are missing, too. Saints pride themselves on their youth system, though, with Will Roberts, Leon Cowen and Harry Robertson the next cabs off the rank. The trio would make their debut for the club should they make it onto the pitch against Wigan.
Wigan injury news
The Warriors have their own suspension issues with Brad O’Neill missing due to a lifting challenge against Leigh Leopards last time out. Mike Cooper drops out of the fold, too, after failing a head injury assessment against the Leopards.
Willie Isa, Kruise Leeming (both ankle) and Jai Field (hamstring) will also be sidelined this evening with the latter two not expected to return until next month.
